‘Worthy Woman of God’

Edmond Church to Play Host to State’s First Catholic Women’s Conference

EDMOND — Oklahoma Catholic women are invited to spend a day of reflection, healing and renewal at the first Oklahoma Catholic Women’s Conference in January. The conference, “Clothed with Strength and Dignity: Becoming a Worthy Woman of God,” will be held on Jan. 27 at Saint Monica Catholic Church in Edmond.

“The Oklahoma Fellowship of Catholic Men began their conference 10 years ago,” said Sharmin Romero, conference organizer. “As I saw the impact these conferences had on my husband, I began to wonder why there was not a similar conference for women. The Holy Spirit guided me to begin planning this event.”

 Romero, a member of Saint Monica parish, discussed her plans with Saint Monica pastor Father Tim Luschen, who offered to host the conference. After that, volunteers from parishes across the metro area came together with equal enthusiasm to begin work on the conference. “Although the majority of the women had absolutely no experience in planning a conference, God has provided for every need to make the vision a reality,” said Romero.

 Six sessions featuring both local and out-of-state speakers have been scheduled, brochures and posters have been delivered to parishes across the state, and vendors have contracted to set up booths selling books, clothing and religious items. Snacks and lunch are included in the $30 registration fee. After Jan. 14, the registration fee will be $40. Students may register for $20, and any religious and those who cannot afford the fee may attend at no charge. A T-shirt commemorating the event will also be available for $15.

 The conference will begin with check-in at 8 a.m. and conclude with Mass at 5:30 p.m., co-celebrated by Archbishop Eusebius Beltran and Bishop Edward J. Slattery.

The theme, “Clothed with Strength and Dignity: Becoming a Worthy Woman of God” comes from Proverbs 31:10-31. This passage, called “The Worthy Woman,” describes a wife who has a heart for God, a desire to be a complete wife and mother, with a tremendous work ethic and incredible resourcefulness.

All these characteristics are things women can aspire to be, organizers say, whether single or married, young or old, with or without children. Verse 25 specifically mentions that she is “clothed with strength and dignity.”

These attributes are especially important in today’s culture, organizers say, where temptations boldly proclaim their existence on every corner.

“Today, more than ever, it is important to be strong and dignified in our relationship with God,”  according to a press release. “When we envision our Blessed Mother, she encompasses this image —clothed with strength and dignity, and most importantly, a worthy woman of God.”

For registration and more information, visit the conference Web site at www.OCWConference.com or call Sharmin Romero at (405) 330-8733.

Speakers and topics are:

Michaelann Martin — “Embracing the Gift: Living as Awesome Daughters of God.”

Martin is a featured columnist for New Covenant and Catholic Parents magazines. She is also the author of “Women of Grace: A Bible Study for Married Women,” co-author of “Catholic Parent Book of Feasts: Celebrating the Church Year in Your Family,” and co-author, with her husband, Curtis, of “Family Matters: A Scripture Study on Marriage and Family.” She holds a master’s in education from Pepperdine University and lives in Greely, Colo., with her husband and their seven children.

Suzanne Baars, M.A. — “Authentic Affirmation and the Healing of Hearts.”

Baars is a licensed professional counselor and family therapist in Dallas, operating In His Image Christian Counseling. Since 1985, she has worked extensively in both hospital and outpatient settings, and focuses her work on integrating the anthropology of Saint Thomas Aquinas during treatment. She is a popular presenter at Catholic conferences and appeared on Eternal Word Television Network’s “Living His Life Abundantly.”

Mary Jane Fox — “Encountering Our Risen Lord.”

Fox and her husband, Tom, left their careers in 1986 to work full time for Saint Matthew’s in San Antonio. For almost seven years, their main ministry was door-to-door home visitation. In 1993, they founded the Pilgrim Center of Hope. They received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II. Both Tom and Mary have spoken at numerous workshops and conferences and have been featured in five nationwide Catholic periodicals. The Pilgrim Center of Hope was presented on EWTN’s “Living His Life Abundantly.”

Rita McCarthy — “Empowering Women for Change: God’s Mission for Women.”

Author and speaker McCarthy has led prayer groups, conferences and “Life in the Spirit” seminars during her 30 years in the Tulsa Diocese. Rita has a master’s degree in counseling and is experienced as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is the author of “Yielding to the Power of God: A Workbook for Prayer.” Rita is the founder of The Daughters of the Annunciation, an apostolate for Catholic women.

 Katie Gordy — “The Work — A Simple Way to Let Go of Stressful Thinking.”

Gordy holds a master’s in human relations from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in chemical dependency. She taught at Putnam City West High School and Rosary School, where she was vice principal. Since 1993, Gordy has served as the pastoral associate at Saint Monica, where she does spiritual counseling and runs religious education for more than 500 children and adults. She has led the “Artists Way” class for more than 10 years. Katie and her husband live in Edmond.

 Michael John and Mary Poirier — “Timeless Mercy: A Witness to Healing.”

Catholic recording artist Michael John Poirier, at  God’s  nudging,  turned  from  pop  music performances to candlelight prayer concerts nationwide, and has released 13 CDs.

Mary shares the miracles in her life that she says came about when she opened herself to mercy. She said as an adolescent, she was plunged into “an ocean of grief with no boat or compass,” beginning a cycle of self-destruction. After a priest helped her see the root of her sin as her own self-hatred, she began a conversion of heart that continues to this day.

The Poiriers and their three children have called Edmond their home since 2001.